If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

The Rank of Shodan Ho

Does anybody know the kanji for "ho" as in the rank of shodan ho and what it literally means? In addition, anybody know the history of this rank? Does it come from judo like the rest of the kyu-dan ranking system?

"Ho" in the case of shodan-ho means depending on which group is using it, 'provisional', 'probationary', 'apprentice'.

Like the usage of fuku shidoin and shidoin, it seems a more modern term. I don't recall ever seeing this ranking until the 1980's anywhere. But it seems pretty common now in karate, aikido, and some modern jujutsu. I don't believe judo uses it at all.

I personally think it is used to placate egos in students who want a black belt but for whatever reason, are not old enough, mature enough, or talented enough, to fully meet yudansha requirements and need time to grow into the rank. Lots of students drop out as ikkyu (brown belt blues) since they seem to plateau for some reason. Maybe the shodan ho step gives them some more motivation and makes them feel like progress is being made.

Or maybe it is just used as another testing step/way to keep students around for paying the rent as the cynic in me says.

Last edited by Neil Yamamoto; 13th April 2009 at 21:28.
Reason: spelling

I've heard of some groups who use the term to describe someone who has passed the shodan test but is waiting for the official documentation to be processed.
And just to add to the confusion, some groups also have the rank of "jun-dan" (jun being "sub-" or "pre-") to describe what Neil described as shodan-ho.

I've heard of some groups who use the term to describe someone who has passed the shodan test but is waiting for the official documentation to be processed.
And just to add to the confusion, some groups also have the rank of "jun-dan" (jun being "sub-" or "pre-") to describe what Neil described as shodan-ho.